If you need to send a note of sympathy to a bereaved family, it is good to know that you can do this in a number of ways. Funeral cards can be given with flowers or by themselves. In this digital age, it is not uncommon to send a letter of sympathy via email.

You may be able to find nice notes at a neighborhood bookshop. It is also a good gesture to write a message yourself. If you are handwriting is not clear, you should remember that there are store bought notes with pre-printed messages that you can just sign and mail.

Offering a sympathy note is something usually expected in most cultures. They can be given whether you attend the memorial service or not. It becomes more of a necessity if you cannot be at the wake. If you are mailing the note, you can give it before or after the actual burial.

In most cases, the grieving family will also send you a note of thanks for attending the service or for sending a letter of sympathy. You can expect a message of thanks within the month of the burial. Typically, someone directly and closely related to the dead will send it.

You may also send a basket of flowers with a sympathy note during the wake. Make sure you chose appropriate blossoms that are traditionally given for interments. There are several species you can choose from. Consult with a flower delivery company and have them send it on time with a note from you.

Pre-printed funeral cards can be found in many bookstores near your home. You can also find them online. Before you purchase one, read the message inside and make sure the content is along the lines of your thoughts. It is also common practice to add something in your own words.